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~ From Beach to Chic!

Category Archives: furniture

Outdoor Shower Makeover on a Budget

31 Thursday May 2012

Posted by AMM in Bath, beach, D.I.Y., furniture, garden, Inspiration, Outdoor

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

galvanized bucket, gardening, gutter planter, ideas for updating the outdoor shower, outdoor shower, striped shower curtain

A few years ago my brother built us this outdoor shower.  We already had the hot water hook up and it only cost 75 bucks for the parts and installation!  It has been invaluable for rinsing post beach and I find having a rinse is the most refreshing part of my day.  I hadn’t really cared as much about the way it looked as the functionality of the unit, that is until I used it for the first time this season.  We installed it with no shelving or stool.  Only a few towel hooks.

It’s pretty empty and devoid of character.  So I decided to revamp it!

I adjusted the slate tiles and added some tropical plants.  There is an old cast iron gutter that lines the house and is not actually functioning as a gutter these days. I had the idea a few years ago to turn it into a planter box and this was the perfect excuse to give it a shot.  I lined it with a straw mat and filled the bottom with stone and some potting soil.  I added plants and some top soil and the planters were complete.  I  chose plants that were happy in partial shade and also in high moisture.  I also chose plants that will grow and drape over the side.

outdoor shower with gutter planter

Lastly, to solve the shelf issue, I looked online at all the options out there.  Most were super pricey and we like the idea of having something either re-purposed or handmade.  It dawned on me that we had a galvanized bucket sitting around and it would make a great shower caddy/ towel holder!

There you have it, an outdoor shower makeover that cost very little and looks a whole lot better!

If you like this post, rinse and repeat with some others:
Upcycling the Office with a Nautical Touch
Spring is Coming! Create a Garden Journal
My Favorite Day of the Year

Tangerine Chairs for Outdoor Pops of Color

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by PEY in Furniture, furniture, Outdoor

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

bistro chairs, chair, outdoor seating, tangerine, tangerine chairs, vintage Eames chairs

designed by Lotta AgatonOnce Amy has all of her Eames chairs painted in tangerine I envision the impact will be as striking as the dining room above.  Not only is Amy refurbishing iconic chairs, she is one of many embracing this glorious pop of color.  If it is too much of a color commitment inside of your home, then consider adding your shade of tangerine or orange in the great outdoors with extra seating.

Any one of these chairs would be a cheerful addition to your summer entertainment space.  Enjoy!

Image Sources:  Orange Owl Modern, Anthropologie, TK Collections, Grand In Road, YLiving,

If you like this post, then you might like these: 
Colorful Plantations Chairs Perfect for Lounging
Escape in Porch Living
Tangerine Dream Follow Up

Best Beach Chair

18 Friday May 2012

Posted by SOF in beach, furniture, Outdoor

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Tags

beach chairs

The weekend forecast is mid-70s and sunny. Right now the temperature is just about perfect and visions of days at the beach (my most favorite days of the year) are dancing in my head! The most essential summer item in my book (next to good sunscreen for my fair-skinned family) is a great beach chair. At the end of last year my chair broke so I’m due for a new one. While I love color, especially in the summer, I want to have my staple items be crisp and classic so I’m thinking of a nice white beach chair like this one from Brookstone. Last year I stopped buying beach towels and started buying a pile of bright colored Ralph Lauren bath towels (from TJ Maxx of course) to use for the beach. Their lime green color means we can always quickly spot them when the kids run out of the water and there’s never any question as to who’s towels are who’s when we’re at the beach with a bunch of friends. They’re just the right pop of color to make our beach days even brighter. With Memorial Day just around the corner, this weekend is a great time to get your beach gear in order so you can get out and soak up the sun in style this summer!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Les Toiles du Soleil: A Striped Haven
Sinking into a Barrel of Wine Never Looked So Good
Under My Umbrella

Brimfield Antiques Show: Something for Everyone!

11 Friday May 2012

Posted by SOF in Accessories, fabrics, Furniture, furniture, garden, Inspiration, lighting, Living Room, Outdoor, pillows, Shops We Love, textiles

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Brimfield Antique Show, vintage finds

Yesterday I decided that the pull of the Brimfield Antiques Show was too much to resist and at the last minute I decided to get up at the crack of dawn and make the nearly two hour trek from my home to the biggest outdoor antiques show in the country. For those of you who don’t know what Brimfield (it’s referred to by one word like Madonna and Shaq because that’s what it’s status is in the world of antiques) is, it is essentially an entire downtown population filling their yards and fields with antique dealers (well, technically some people are importers and purveyors of new items, but either way there are lots of goods). And if the land owners don’t have dealers, then they are turning their land into parking lots to profit off the zillions of people who attend this thrice annual show (in May, July, and September). Chances are if you’ve bought a reproduction of a vintage piece at a major retailer, the original piece came from Brimfield.

Above, the lone vintage garden chairs gather together in hopes of finding a new home. I wonder what kind of green certification this show warrants as it is saving a lot of items from ending up in a landfill. But the most awesome thing about Brimfield is that there is literally something for everyone and the entire show is proof that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If you are a collector of anything from toys to Fiestaware to garden gnomes to baseball bats, you will find what you love at Brimfield. You will also find lots and lots of things that you cannot believe anyone would ever buy, but they do. And you will see everyone from the quirky hillbilly to the high end antiques dealer co-mingling to find the coolest stuff at the best deals. Television shows are lurking about filming to share the experience with people across the country.

I hope that this collection of photos gives you an idea of the breadth of items available at the show. I wish I had taken even more pictures, but as my hands became full with purchases, my camera made its way out less frequently.

I really loved this vintage glass cake stand, but while I would have happily picked up a cool cake stand, I knew that I could get a similar look for less in reproduction and since I wasn’t particularly passionate about having a vintage or glass one, I didn’t think the $45 price tag was worth it. The vendors are keen on trends and with the influx of dessert tables, they’re smart to price things high that are trendy.

If you are a collector of any type or color of glass then Brimfield is the place to go. It was only day three when I was there, and most of the glass was already 50% off. I was incredibly tempted, but since I didn’t really have a use for it at the moment, I decided to wait until I build that dream pantry/party closet.

Also in the world of glass are lots of cool glass jars.

These vintage vials of color dyes were very cool, but with children in my house I could only envision my living room rug turning a new color.

What’s with the vials? I really was drawn to them, but seeing as I couldn’t come up with what I would use them for, I couldn’t justify buying them. I’ve bought enough things in my life that still don’t have a purpose to know that.

Then I moved onto furniture. There is tons of fine furniture at this show, but that’s not what I’m really drawn to lately. I really loved this potting bench because of its rustic feel and the fact that it had a real sink in it. I could probably find a spot for it, but not one that hooks up to plumbing.

The Newporter in me loved this porthole side table.

And this amazing filing cabinet went from drab to nautical chic with some paint and a little nautical flag knowledge.

Why am I so drawn to the Union Jack even though I have little tie to it other than having been to Great Britain twice in my life?

Speaking of European inspired furniture, how about this French bistro inspired children’s set?! Unfortunately, my oldest is too big for it and my second isn’t too far behind so it wasn’t worth it.

This mirror bordered linen tufted headboard was to die for! It came from an Atlanta vendor who also had…

lots of other amazing headboards, and starting at $550, they were well priced too.

The same vendor had these great crab paintings as well as some oyster ones. I’m tempted to go back again and get one as they would look amazing in my living room and were pretty well priced. I have the guy’s contact info so if anyone is interested just message me.

He also had these fabulous wicker pendant lights for $95. Again, if I only had a place to put them!

When it comes to accessories, the options are endless, but these vintage books grouped by color reminded me of many of our previous bookshelf styling posts.

And all the twine you could ever imagine.

And if you’re fond of wooden crates, this is the place to go, although I was bummed to not be able to find any as well priced and good looking as the ones I got the last time I went.

We’ve seen grain sack pillows and coffee sack pillows, but how about a money bag pillow? These were reasonably priced at $20, but considering they weren’t even sewn and just closed with a safety pin at the top, I’m pretty sure you could make these yourself without thinking twice…if you happen to have a bunch of money bags laying around. Oddly, I think I might have a few, but sadly they aren’t filled with money.

And if you’re more into fashion than home goods, there is plenty for you too. The former jewelry designer in me was incredibly tempted by this table, but then I remembered all of the beads in my basement and refrained from indulging. However, the vintage clothing, bags, jewelry, etc. are endless at this show.

So what did I end up going home with? I picked up this two-tiered round table because I was inspired by my friend Dani’s use of a similar one although I’m not sure I’ll use it the same way. I was also looking for a bench for my mudroom, but then I found these two wooden bistro chairs for a song and think they’ll work really nicely with my vision for my mudroom redesign. Plus, they’ll be easy extra seating for when I have a large group for dinner. And the baseball bat for my five-year-old who’s currently obsessed with all things baseball and the Red Sox.

I also picked up this turquoise mason jar which I can’t wait to fill with the peonies from my garden, and the amazing vintage turquoise burlap which it sits on.

And lastly, I grabbed this French stripe banding. I’m really excited to work these items into my own home and to make some of it into new products which you might just have the opportunity to buy yourself!

So if you are within a few hours radius of Brimfield, MA and looking for something to do this weekend, hop in the car and check it out.

Just remember:

1. Go with a set budget or else you’ll blow it in the first hour. Giving yourself a limit makes you really second guess whether you need something or not.

2. Have an idea of what you’re looking for and what it typically sells for so that you don’t overpay.

3. Be prepared to bargain. Everything is negotiable!

4. Carry a large tote or bring a wagon in case any of your purchases are heavy. I carried those chairs a long way.

5. If you really love something, buy it immediately or else it may be gone the moment you turn around.

6. Never forget that an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. For instance what some people would normally throw in their recycling bin, might be worth $1 each.

I really hope nobody paid for these, but as I said one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and that’s what Brimfield is all about!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Vintage Red Objets
Brimfield Report
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Sweet Meas for Upcycled Vintage Finds

World Market Offers Fantastic Summer Collections at Affordable Prices

10 Thursday May 2012

Posted by SOF in Furniture, furniture, garden, Outdoor, pillows, Tabletop, textiles

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Outdoor Decorating Ideas, outdoor entertaining, World Market

I recently had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at the summer collections from Cost Plus World Market. They are really vibrant and fun while still offering classic style that will take you seamlessly from year to year. I’m most excited about the Timber Cove collection–living in Newport automatically draws me to all things navy & white and sea life themed. But I really love the Timber Cove Outdoor Dining Collection as well as it comes in a white wash look and you can mix and match between benches, side chairs, and arm chairs for seating. It definitely needs to be added to my list of best outdoor dining tables under $500.

This furniture will be even more comfortable with these fabulous outdoor throw pillows. I can’t decide which is my favorite!

And I’m really in love with the dishes in the collection which include lobster, crab, starfish, and coral motifs. These would be great for our beach parties this summer.

Of course, the melamine nautical themed plates might be more practical for our beach outings or perhaps I’ll just bring them for the kids.

Another item I love in the summer collection is the Pompeian Metal Garden Stool (also available in white and teal).

It would look great next to their colorful Adirondack chairs.

And I’m quite certain that I would be very comfortable lounging in the Catalina Deep Bench. Can someone get me a Margarita please!

Besides the fabulous designs that World Market offers, one of my favorite things about them is that they are all also really affordable! There are so many more products that are on my must-have list from here. Stay-tuned for a follow-up post!

If you like outdoor living, check out these:
Colorful Plantation Chairs for Lounging
New Pillows for the Patio
Our Picks for Pottery Barn’s Best of Summer 2012

Escape in Porch Living

07 Monday May 2012

Posted by PEY in furniture, Inspiration, Outdoor

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

entertaining, Outdoor, outdoor entertaining, porch

Too many rainy days in a row have me dreaming of a sunny day on my porch and how to make it an oasis that the experts make look so easy.  Should I explore furniture in dark colors for a striking contrast?  The white architectural details juxtaposed with dark materials above looks great.

Or should it be all white with pops of color in the accessories and the surrounding nature?  Such a crisp and simple look.

Or should I let my favorite fabric set the tone?! (There should be a “jumping off point” in any room!!)  The green looks amazing as does the red popping off the old school ticking stripe.

Or are there architectural details that should be highlighted?  I like the dark shutters and the doorway at the end of the porch above.  Also love the effect of the blue clapboard and floor in the porch below – it feels like an inside room outside!

At some point soon I will need to make decisions if I am going make my porch cozy for family and friends.  For now, I will just day dream and make my wish list!

Image Sources:
Life’s Good, Be Happy, Design Chic, Syracuse, Coastal Living, BHG, Savoring Simplicity, 1884 Paxton House Inn

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Pillow Covers for Spring
D.I.Y.:  Colorful Pots
Shutter the Front Door!

Privet House at Target Opens Sunday!

04 Friday May 2012

Posted by SOF in Accessories, Dining Room, furniture, garden, Outdoor, Shops We Love, Tabletop, textiles

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Privet House, The Shops at Target

This Sunday Target will launch it’s exciting new concept of shop-in-shops called The Shops. They’ve hand-picked five boutiques from across the country to re-create the experience within Target stores with merchandise exclusively designed for Target. While the shops offer everything from dog biscuits to candy, I am of course most excited for the Privet House shop. This Connecticut based home emporium offers a wonderful collection of home goods including antiques and new merchandise and Target has done an excellent job recreating the look and feel of the shop with products that are certain to be highly sought after. Here’s a peak!

The colors, the patterns, the style, the whole collection is just fabulous!

And just for the record I’m pretty excited for all the other shops too.

See you on Sunday at Target!

*All images courtesy of Target*

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Mattie Luxe for Personalized Placemats and Trays
Interlock Cutlery as Place Settings
Home Decor Hunt in Newburyport

Society Social Offers Entertaining Must-Haves

26 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by PEY in Celebrations, Eco-friendly, Furniture, furniture, Outdoor

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

bar cart, chairs, Eco-friendly, entertaining, Fifi folding chairs, Pinterest, Society Social, The Dinner Party table, The Double bar cart, The Sedgewick bar cart

While on a recent pinning frenzy on looking for fun entertaining ideas, I stumbled upon Society Social.  If you are like me, then you probably don’t have enough space to comfortably seat everyone at your table – one, two or even three leaves in a dining table often requires more chairs than I own – so these Fifi folding chairs would be a perfect solution.  Not only are these available in 11 high-gloss water-based, eco-friendly paint colors, the chairs are handcrafted of plantation wood, sustainable rattan and natural cane.  So eco-friendly, space saving and a color for every decor.

In addition to great chairs, there is a selection of tables, bar carts, pillows, vintage goods, hostess attire and more; Society Social is a destination for entertainment goods.  Enjoy! Here are a couple more items on my entertainment wish list.

The Sedgewick

The Double

The Dinner Party

Torn between desiring a bar cart or needing the expandable table above . . . fun hostess dilemmas to ponder!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Going “Green” In Style for the New Year!
Interlock Cutlery as Place Settings
Gorgeous Italian “Pottery” in Melamine

New Pillows for the Patio

24 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by AMM in Accessories, fabrics, furniture, Inspiration, Outdoor, pillows, textiles

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

nautical, patio, preppy, Sunbrella, vintage

The warm weather we have been enjoying is getting me excited about my patio project!  This year I plan to remake the cushions for my outdoor furniture; after reading Pamela’s post about decorative pillows, I am going to add some to my outdoor furniture as well!  I have picked out this simple Sunbrella fabric and now I need to find some great throw pillows.  The problem is, there are so many great ones out there.

Nautical or vintage?  Preppy or funky? I Love this one from Etsy.  It looks like a vintage scarf.

What ever I decided I know I want to mix prints and add some pops of color.  Who knows, Maybe my tomato plants won’t be the only pop of red out there this summer.

Image Sources: Sail Rite, West Elm, Olive and Garland, Target

If you like this post, then you might like these:
China Seas Outdoor Fabrics
Under My Umbrella
5 Fabulous Outdoor Dining Tables for Under $500

Feeling Blue at Venetucci Home

17 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by AMM in Accessories, beach, Dining Room, fabrics, Furniture, furniture, Inspiration, Lighting, pillows, Shops We Love, Tabletop, textiles

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Azure, blue, gold framed art, linen, navy walls, pillows, traditional accessories

Who knew arriving to a yoga class 30 minutes early would work out so well?  Having a few minutes to myself, I hopped downstairs to a relatively new home decor shop here in Newport, Venetucci Home.  I walked in and noticed the various shades of blue throughout the shop.  Linen slip covered furniture happens to be a look I am in love with so I just about fell over when I saw chairs covered in this bright azure blue linen, .

There were beautiful textiles and accessories with hints of blue throughout.  The nautical pieces mixed in with traditional styling, put this local shop high on my like list.  A navy accent wall with gold framed paintings was the icing on the cake.

Thankfully, I am in the market for a new dining room table and chairs.  I think that is reason enough to return to Venetucci Home and skip yoga!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Home Decor Hunt in Newburyport
Me Casa Sue Casa
Besame Mucho

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